Getting Ready

[Novicerunner45]

Have decided to get moving and plan to start the couch to 5k programme. I am nervous because I haven't run since school so the biggest hurdle is getting out there and having a go and not be too self conscious.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I think most people on here were nervous when we started. That first run is the biggest step. Just get dressed, put on the podcast and get out that door. Don't worry about what people think - they're busy doing their own thing anyways. Keep your runs as slow as you can go and you'll be just fine. You won't believe where you'll be in a few short weeks. Welcome to running

[Novicerunner45 in reply to runswithdogs]

Thank you !!

[gary_bart]

Have you chosen the day of your first run yet? If not, maybe that's a good starting point. Put yourself "on notice", and the be reliable and follow through. I suppose I'd better be the first to say just take it slow. Don't be in a hurry. All in good time.

And as for self-consciousness, we all have to deal with it. If it's bad, just sweat it out. Use it to distract you from the agony of running. ... No, really, just don't give in to it, that's all. Eventually you won't be concerned with the world out there, so any self-consciousness is entirely temporary. In no time at all you'll hopefully be completely absorbed by the pleasure of your run (on good days, anyway) and you just simply won't be self conscious. It'll just end. It's not something worth giving up the benefits of running for.

[Novicerunner45 in reply to gary_bart]

Hi, I am starting early tomorrow morning. Thanks for your advice, it does help.

[Kasmcc100 Graduate]

This is the first time I've run since school too. To be honest, if we had done more running at school rather than lots of team sports, I'd have found my sport a lot earlier in my life.

Pick your day and go for it. It's the best thing I've done in a long time and you will have a great support system on this forum, so remember to post your progress.

[Novicerunner45 in reply to Kasmcc100]

Thanks this forum is helping already, I'm ready to start.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

You'll be fine. No one takes much notice - and those that do say anything have been entirely encouraging! Take it nice and slow - good luck!

[Novicerunner45 in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks, I think the feeling from everyone is take it nice and slow.

[Hidden]

Good luck for tomorrow morning! Slow, slow,slow and come back and let us know how you get on.

[Novicerunner45 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will, everyones comments are helping.

[mfamilias Graduate]

Yoohoo! Woot woot, a new recruit! (Mfam waves pompoms). Hello, and welcome to the madhouse Planning is good, but doing is better. Make sure that you have a pair of trainers and the necessary scaffolding for your upper body (- if you are a girl, of course. If you're a boy you'll have to ask the lads for their secrets).

Don't worry about what other people think - I'm still waiting for someone to notice that I'm running, and I stepped out for my first self-conscious run at the beginning of February. Nobody else knows that you're starting out on this journey - you're "just another runner" to them, so don't worry!

So now all you have to do is make that first step - out of the door with your trainers on your feet and the lovely Laura chatting in your headphones. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Novicerunner45 in reply to mfamilias]

Thanks for your great comment, heres to tomorrow morning, trainers are ready.

[davelinks Graduate]

I hadn't run since schooldays, even then that wasn't much, I left school 45 years ago this summer.... Just go for it and go by what other members have said..

[Novicerunner45 in reply to davelinks]

Thanks for your comment.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Go for it! You won't regret it ☺

[Novicerunner45 in reply to goonkeepgoing]

I hope you are right, I am questioning my decision now.

[Mary_O Graduate in reply to Novicerunner45]

It's a good decision - don't regret it. Take it easy and don't talk yourself out of it. I didn't manage to complete run 1, week 1 the first time I did it - had to walk the last two runs. But I kept going back and by the end of the week I COULD DO IT. And I'm three stone overweight with hypermobile joints. You can do this - I know you can. Get those trainers by the door and get going tomorrow.

[Vics999]

I hadn't exercised much since school either but this is a really accessible way to start! I was worried about what other people might think but actually when the lady on the podcast is talking to you I am so focused on that that I don't notice other people around me. I'm only on week 2 now but I can honestly say the fear of going has completely gone. Pick a day and go and then let us know how you get on! Good luck!

[Novicerunner45 in reply to Vics999]

Thanks for your comment, it helps to know others have been there.

[Northernspirit Graduate]

You're so right! The biggest hurdle is getting out the door on day one. All I can say is do it, you will not regret it, and probably wonder what all the fuss was about...I did! No-one cares!! No-one but other runners even notice, and they're all routing for you I promise! Go go go!!!!

[Novicerunner45 in reply to Northernspirit]

Thanks for your comment, well I completed week 1, day 1 this morning. I felt I was slow and plodding around but I did it but now I know what to expect day 2 might be tougher.

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to Novicerunner45]

Whoop whoop you did it!!!!! Awesome! Slow is good, we are all slow by the way commit to day 2, then 3, before you know it's week 2. Take your time and keep posting.

[sallyannie Graduate]

The first step is the hardest and after that it just gets better and better don't forget to enjoy your self

[Novicerunner45 in reply to sallyannie]

Thanks hopefully a smile might appear at some point☺

[JenB65]

Well done that's the hardest one actually getting out the door. Pop your headphones in and just follow Laura's instructions. Surprised how many other runners smile and say hello once you are out there, did not realise how many people run and then walk for a minute always thought everyone else ran the whole time😃👟🏃🏻

[Novicerunner45 in reply to JenB65]

Thanks, i am now getting ready for run 2, hope it is not too bad because I now know what to expect.